Half-Time Report: Preston North End holding Manchester United to goalless draw

Preston North End are holding Manchester United to a goalless draw in this evening's FA Cup fifth-round clash at Deepdale.

The Red Devils dominated possession in the early stages, winning a corner as early as the second minute, but Wayne Rooney's delivery was cleared.

Preston, however, were able to carve out a chance on goal nine minutes in when Joe Garner's long-range effort from 25 yards was caught by David de Gea.

Despite the home side increasing in confidence, they gave away a free kick just outside the box shortly before the quarter-hour mark.

Angel di Maria stepped up and curled a dangerous shot over the Preston wall, but despite goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann being left stranded, the ball floated wide.

Garner was involved once again in the 27th minute when Paul Gallagher's free kick from the right was nodded towards goal by the 26-year-old striker, but the connection wasn't clean and the ball soared over.

In a first half devoid of too many chances, both sides managed to step it up in the latter stages, but neither could break the deadlock come the half-time whistle.